Day 14: Camp 3 to Summit (6 962 m) back to Camp 3
SUMMIT DAY (weather permitting)
Climbing day from Camp 3 to the Summit and return to Camp 3. This is the big day!! They will get up very early in the morning, have breakfast, and start climbing, do a traverse to the Normal Route. They will summit, enjoy an incredible experience, and return to Camp 3.
This will take somewhere around 10 to 18 hours.
From Camp 3 the route continues along the Northwest ridge, passing what was the highest refuge in the world Refugia Independencia at 6 550 m. From these ruins they continue climbing up and right, crossing the Cresta del Viento (very windy crest) and then heading up the upper part of the Gran Acarreo to Canaleta. The Canaleta is a 33-degree scree chute, which rises 400 meters and requires great patience and stamina.
The only communication has been a sms received from Nick last night - Team at Camp 3 all ok. Weather remains clear so summit attempt today should be good. Then back to Camp 3 and Plaza de Mulas base camp on Thursday. They have an extra day if necessary.
Nick unfortunately had to come down the mountain after leaving the team at Camp 1. He has a stomach problem which is not responding to treatment up on the mountain and will need to get medical care in Mendoza.